I stopped talking to all of them. Completely ignored them until they would tell me what they'd say about me. Unfortunately- or rather fortunately – fate had other ideas. Dad was still pushing the team as hard as ever but I stopped feeling sorry for them when I spotted Jack, Coxie, and Rizzo with three blonds outside their dorms looking especially... occupied.

The most extreme case of my Dad's tough-love coaching was at a game against the Norwegian National team about five months before the opening ceremonies. We played fairly well on-ice, not near where we were capable, but what got me, and dad, upset was the guys on the bench. They were checking out the locals, and making jokes like we were at practice. We tied Norway at three and when the buzzer sounded, I knew dad was not happy. The look on his face told it all and rightfully, I was scared. Craig and Doc knew the look too, but they didn't say anything.

"Get a whistle." Dad told Craig, ignoring his bewildered expression. He turned to me, "Tell them to get back on the ice." He said, indicating the team. I scowled but did what I was told.

"You don't wanna work during the game, we'll work now. Goal line," he said. "That one."

The team grumbled and skated towards the goal they were defending a few minutes ago.

I knew what was coming.

The whistle blew and the team was off on their sprints.

"Again."

Craig continued to blow the whistle as the players began to wheeze with exhaustion.

"Again."

"Herb!" It was Doc 'please let him stop this' I prayed. "The rink manager wants to clean the ice and then go home."

"Tell him to leave me the keys and I'll lock up. Again!"

By the time everyone got back to the line, at least four players collapsed on the ice. Like it mattered to Dad.

"Again."

Suddenly, the lights turned off and caretaker headed home. Leaving the US Olympic Team skating on the ice, and me watching helplessly from the bench.

"Again."

It was when I saw at least three players fall to ice and throw up that I couldn't take it any longer.

"Dad!" I yelled across the rink. "this is insane! Someone's going to get hurt." My dad ignored my cry and said calmly, "Again." Craig stared at him and was about to reluctantly blow the whistle again, when Rizzo gasped out. "Mike Eruzione, Winthrop Massachusetts."

"Who do you play for?" asked the coach after a dramatic pause.

"I play for... the United States of America." My father turned, gave me a satisfied smirk, and then walked off the ice, saying, "That's all gentlemen." The team collapsed in a heap. I rushed over to them. Jack was the closest one to me, and I kneeled down to be at his level. He was wheezing and gasping for breath.

"Are you gonna be alright?" I asked. His only answer was a nod. "Want to go back in; I'll help you if you like." Another nod. I helped him to his feet and acted as a crutch to get him in the locker room. I set him down on the bench and helped him get his gear off, then turned on the showers and went out to help the others. Doc and Craig seemed to have the same idea so together we got everyone off the ice. I waited outside the locker room for one of the guys. I was in the middle of a bored yawn as Rizzo came out and he smiled at my odd look. I returned his smile. "going back to the hotel? I'll go with you."

Rizzo looked nervous. "Uh, actually O.C.'s gonna be out in a minute and he, um wanted to talk to you."

I shook my head, "Oh, um O.K. I'll see ya later then Rizzo." I said, waving dimly at his retreating figure.

I turned back to the locker room and there was Jack. This time with clothes on, but my mind couldn't help flashing back to that day when he was in his towel. 'Just one more time' I thought.

"Come on, let's get out of here," he said, taking my hand. It wasn't anything really important, we had been holding hands for a while, and every once in a while Robbie and I would hold hands. We walked out into the cold Norwegian air and headed toward the hotel, which was only a few blocks away.

"Rizzo said you wanted to talk to me, what about?" I said shivering and he wrapped his arm around me. Even though this wasn't the first time he had done it, I couldn't help but think that this was a little different. He held me closer and tighter than he usually did.

"Um yeah, your dad has issues." He joked.

I was a little disappointed, like he couldn't say that if we were with Rizzo?

When we reached my hotel room, I turned back towards him.

"You sure you won't tell me what you guys talk about?" I asked hopefully, "Even if I guess?"

He leaned in quickly and gave me a soft kiss. "That's what we talk about." I was astonished. I stood there for a moment, motionless.

"Night Dana," he said as he walked back down the hall.

I beamed at his well-shaped backside. Must have been something in the water.